Ready to have the best summer ever? Your guide to a great summer starts here with ISO. In this newsletter you’ll find tips to help you make the most out of your travels. To stay healthy and informed, you’ll also find information about summer illnesses and how to use your insurance if you get sick during the summer. There are many ways to make your summer travels more fun and engaging. Try out these travel tips below!

1. Take a train instead of a plane. Train rides can be much more affordable than flying—for example, you might pay $134 roundtrip fare on Amtrak between New York and Montreal, as compared to $294 for roundtrip airfare. The slower pace of a train ride can also enhance your relaxation and you’ll see beautiful landscapes along the way. ​2. Use a bicycle. You will probably have plans to see all different kinds of museums, landmarks, parks, or restaurants in the city you’re visiting. You will have many options to get around like renting a car or using public transportation. Why not use a bicycle? Riding a bicycle is good for the environment and good for your body. It is also convenient—you could get to places faster, and some cities have bike-sharing systems for you to use along with plenty of bike lanes, like Citi Bike in NYC and Divvy in Chicago. Remember to stay safe: use a helmet and obey all traffic and biking rules.

​3. Rent instead of reserving a hotel room. Rental services such as Airbnb make it easy and affordable to find short-term rentals – such as a room or the entire house—in nearly every city in the world. Rental hosts are usually happy to give you advice about great local food and events, also a great breakfast every day.

S-U-M-M-E-R! We hope you are ready, because we’ve got a lot of resources to help you plan your travels and fun. Before you go off to enjoy summer relaxation, make sure you have taken care of these 4 things:

Summer classes –If you are taking classes during the summer break, stay one step ahead by doing the required readings or assignments.

Fall registration - Plan your fall classes with your advisor.

Graduating this summer? Congratulations! Don’t forget to apply for OPT and enroll in one of ourOPTima plans.

Insurance - Check your school’s insurance requirements, enroll in ISO insurance, and submit your waiver to ensure any school charges or holds are removed in a timely manner.

Fun Activities for Fall! It’s October and welcome to Fall! It’s time to say goodbye to the warm weather and bundle yourselves in jackets and scarves. Many of us may be frowning at the idea of bidding farewell to all those wonderful summer activities, but autumn is more than just chilly wind and falling leaves. So grab a cup of hot spiced cider and get ready for the ride!Hayride Going on a hayride is an all time American favorite past time. While riding in an open truck or wagon decorated with hay or straw, you get to truly experience the Fall weather. Pumpkin Picking Pumpkins are a must-have when it comes to autumn. From the mouth-watering pumpkin pies to the intricately carved Jack O’ Lanterns, pumpkins can be used both for desserts and wonderful decorations. Look for the nearest pumpkin patch and pick one up!Halloween Boo! Halloween is one of the most popular holidays celebrated in October. Scary movies, haunted houses, costumes and candy is one of the best ways to end October. This holiday is a good time to take a break from the hustle and bustle of school and go out and have some frightful fun. Tailgating This is the season of football, a much- loved sport in the US. Almost all college football games are great places to experience a tailgate party. This party usually takes place before a football game in a parking lot around the trunks of cars. Staying healthy Let this change in weather be a way to explore fun ways to stay healthy and in shape. Hiking, cycling and walking through park trails are some ways to make your mundane workout routines into fun adventures! Since the flu season is here, remember to drink lots of water, taking daily vitamins and keep your hands clean at all times! Here are some more health tips.